You gain from forgiving others-Homily for Friday of the 14th week in ordinary time 14th July 2023

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Genesis 46:1-7.28-30; Ps.37; Matthew 10:16-23

You gain from forgiving others

In the first reading of yesterday, we read of how Joseph forgave his brothers who did not just do him evil but went as far as orchestrating his death. We learnt from Joseph how not to fight those who offended us with the victory God has given us. So, the first definition of forgiveness is not revenging wrongs done to us. Interestingly, another definition is that forgiveness is a gift one primarily gives himself, not the offender. When we forgive, we are first doing ourselves a favour before any other person. This truth is clearly demonstrated in the first reading of today.

Today, we see the positive effects of Joseph’s forgiveness and how Joseph himself was a major beneficiary of the effects. First, because Joseph has forgiven his brothers, it became possible for Joseph’s father, Israel, to move down with his entire family to Egypt. This would mean that they will not have to travel long distance to go buy food from Egypt. In the midst of the famine, living in Egypt where Joseph was second in command, will mean security, comfort and royal connection for them. The primary beneficiary of this relieve was Israel who was already very old and must have been worse hit by the famine. So, the forgiveness by Joseph brought a greater relieve for the father than for the brothers.

Now, Joseph was the father’s favourite. This means that Joseph too was fond of the father. Whatever will bring the father joy, will also make Joseph happy. When Israel finally met Joseph in Egypt, he exclaimed with so much sigh: Now, let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive”. Joseph’s forgiveness reunited him with his family; this reunion brought fulfillment to the father. The father’s fulfilment will invariably be Joseph’s fulfilment. So, you see that gift of forgiveness Joseph gave to his brothers came back to him.

Forgiveness has the same effect even in these days. Like Joseph, we may never be able to fathom how we ourselves will benefit from forgiving others. It may seem like just a gift to another. Often times, forgiveness is difficult when we interpret it to mean that the one who has offended us greatly, will get away with what he or she has done; such thought makes us feel cheated or fooled. But such thought is not the reality. The reality is that if we forgive, we will make our own lives better.

Beloved, the resist the pride of revenge and put on the humble cloak of forgiveness. Forgive because it is the right thing to do and because you love yourself. Forgiveness means handing over the battle/pain to God from whom comes the salvation of the just.